A Russian drone launched as part of an overnight attack on Ukraine crashed into an apartment building in eastern Romania, injuring two people, Romanian authorities confirmed on Friday.
Incident Details
The drone was detected by radar entering Romanian airspace before crashing onto the roof of a residential building in Galati, according to Romania's Defense Ministry. The impact sparked a fire. Two individuals sustained minor injuries, and several residents were evacuated as a precaution. Police and emergency services responded promptly to the scene. Galati, a city on the Danube River, lies east of the borders with Moldova and Ukraine.
Military Response
In response, the Romanian military deployed two F-16 fighter jets and a helicopter, authorized to engage targets. Alert messages were sent to residents in affected areas.
Broader Context
Russia has been using long-range ballistic missiles and drones to target Ukraine's power grid and cities, with Ukraine bracing for further heavy bombardments. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he is urging the United States to supply more Patriot air defense systems to counter these attacks. He warned that deliveries to Ukraine are falling dangerously short, as the Iran war diverts and depletes U.S. stockpiles. “I believe (the U.S.) must act quicker. We are being very persistent,” Zelenskyy told reporters during a visit to Sweden.
UN Warning
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned the Security Council that the escalation and intensification of attacks risk spiraling out of control, with “unknown and unintended consequences.” He noted that more civilians have been killed in the first four months of this year than in the same period over the past three years. Guterres called for increased diplomacy, immediate de-escalation, and “a full and unconditional ceasefire.”
